Between The Sheets

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the partial week that was July 17-21,1999, a Patreon request via William Lanham who threw down the $25 pledge to pick this week. Topics of discussion include:UPN President Dean Valentine answering tough questions about putting SmackDown on his network considering the WWF's content at that time.The WWF trying to tone down their content as Jeff Jarrett won't let Debra “show off the puppies" anymore.Shane McMahon trying and failing to get Stephanie to date Joey Abs.Nicole Bass making more money doing apartment wrestling than she was in the WWF.The infamous saga, if you can even call it that, of The Dirtbike Kid in Michinoku Pro.Shocker winning Rey Bucanero's mask at the big OCESA Ruleta de la Muerte PPV in Mexico.ECW’s Heatwave ’99 PPV featuring Buh Buh Ray Dudley going off on one of his wildest and most vulgar rants…right in front of TNN executives who weren't too pleased.Justin Credible's push and whether or not it was warranted.An insane episo

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was July 10-16, 2003. Topics of discussion includes:TNA settling their lawsuits with Jay Hassman and Len Sabal and all that entailed.A.J. Styles publicly expressing his preference of working ROH over NWA-TNA while being the NWA World Heavyweight Champion.Scott D'Amore gaining power behind the scenes.Lots of Japanese news and results including WORLD JAPAN.A wild show in Tijuana featuring lots of masked dudes getting their heads shaved.IWA Puerto Rico doing some big business while WWC does terrible business but beats the IWA in TV ratings.The final Shane Shamrock Cup before MCW’s hiatus highlights a very 2003 U.S. indie section.John Cena and Kurt Angle having a battle rap on SmackDown.Kane setting Jim Ross on fire on Raw.Tons more from a loaded WWE section.Very entertaining show this week so check it out!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 NWA-TNA1:07:40 Japan: AJPW, NJPW, NOAH, WJ, Zero-One, BJPW, Michinoku Pro, Osaka Pro, Toryumon, GAEA, Jd’, JWP, LLPW, & NEO

After trying for weeks to figure out when to do this, we found the time and here it is: David Bixenspan is joined by Joe Lanza of The Flagship Wrestling Podcast to talk about...well...everything that's been frustrating about the wrestling media landscape of late, some of which came to a head again this past week. Topics of discussion include:WWE feeding AEW weekend "fast national" ratings to various people in wrestling media, most recently with the fake data point that the July 6 episode of Collision did a zero rating in the 18-34 demographic. Including what "fast nationals" actually are.The increasingly frequent occurrence of running WWE PR plants without attribution and why/how this shouldn't even be happening.How many of the people talking about Nielsen ratings understand they're a statistical sample and not magically calculating everyone who's watching?What exactly is WWE's end game with the fast nationals grift, and is it working?All of the many problems with WWE's

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles (Loss from Pro Wrestling Only) on Episode #2 of "The Center Stage Chronicles" where we cover March 1989 to WrestleWar ‘89: Music City Showdown on May 7th, 1989. We talk about all the major changes and happenings that went on in the NWA in that time period, featuring the end of George Scott's reign of terror as the booker, as well as Clash VI in New Orleans and of course WrestleWar in Nashville featuring the amazing Ric Flair/Terry Funk angle.To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Patron-only chat room on Slack, and anything else we do outside of the main shows!If you’re looking for the best deal on a VPN servic

Kris and David are joined by Daniel Makabe (@danielmakabe) for the first half of the show as we discuss the week that was July 3-9, 1999. Topics of discussion include:A crazy episode of WCW Monday Nitro at the Georgia Dome featuring Bret Hart's return to TV after the tragic death of Owen Hart, Bill Goldberg's surprise return after Megadeth’s live performance, The West Texas Rednecks having a concert of their own, Randy Savage assaulting women, and A LOT more.Sting giving a very candid interview to the Miami Herald.Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends on BBC2 visiting the WCW Power Plant, where Louis gets a lot more than he bargained for.Kenta Kobashi coming back early from nasal surgery.A pro wrestling-tinged Pride FC 6 featuring Mark Kerr taking out Nobuhiko Takada and Naoya Ogawa’s debut vs. Gary Goodridge.Paul Heyman giving one of the greatest, most Heymanesque interviews in the history of the Torch about the state of ECW.Jerry Lawler announcing his candidacy for the Mayor of Memphis.Oregon continuing th

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was June 26-July 2, 1993. Topics of discussion include:The WWF announcing its intent to fight back in the world of public relations against the previous year's Titangate accusers — including Tom Cole and Rita Chatterton! — by using their house organ, WWF Magazine.Linda McMahon speaking very candidly to Mike Mooneyham about various lawsuit-related topics, particularly Tom Cole’s, and how Tom responded.Hulk Hogan's big run in the WWF ending with a whimper at some poorly-attended house shows.Lex Luger's last appearances as The Narcissist while he’s about to move on to bigger things as a babyface.Bam Bam Bigelow introducing his “main squeeze” to Boni Blackstone and the world.Toshiaki Kawada joining Akira Taue to form the Holy Demon Army and why Jun Akiyama replaced him in the Super Generation Army.Antonio Inoki being embroiled in a major political scandal which some thought would do major harm to his career.Roddy Piper making an appearance with

Kris and David are joined by Mark Coale (@black_bile) as we discuss the week that was June 19-25, 2014, which Mark requested on our Patreon by dropping the $50 to sit in for a segment of the show. Topics of discussion include:TNA heading to New York to tape lots of TV while trying to save their TV deal with Spike.An update on Global Force Wrestling in its early stages.NJPW's Dominion PPV featuring Bad Luck Fale winning the IWGP Intercontinental Title from Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event and an amazing Kota Ibushi vs. Ricochet match on the undercard.Mark joining us for the lucha segment, where we go into detail about the greatness of the that year’s En Busca de un Idolo tournament.Invader #1 quitting as WWC booker.ROH running their first "real" live PPV, Best in the World, headlined by Michael Elgin winning the ROH Title from Adam Cole.The state of the WWE Championship after Daniel Bryan had to vacate due to a neck injury, plus Vickie Guerrero's great farewell on Raw and lots of clips from

Kris and David are joined by Joe Gagne (@joegagne) to discuss the week that was June 12-18, 1994. Topics of discussion include:Vince McMahon getting surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck and how that would affect the WWF both on and off camera.Linda McMahon sending out a memo to WWF employees about losing the Jesse Ventura videotape royalties lawsuit.The WWF's on-air handling of Hulk Hogan's debut in WCW with the launch of the New Generation marketing campaign.Highlights from the first WWF Hall of Fame induction ceremony.Jushin Thunder Liger winning the first Best of the Super Juniors Tournament. (The first Super Juniors tournament after they change the name to Best of the Super Juniors, that is.)UWFi shows starting to air on Eurosport as “Bushido: Way of the Warrior.”Vampiro Canadiense jumping to AAA...maybe.Some really great promos on SMW TV, especially from Dirty White Boy.Tommy Rich returning to the USWA and raising some hell.The Fabulous Moolah holding her annual LIWA convention in Las V

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was June 5-11, 1990. Topics of discussion include:Dave Meltzer's trip to Japan, featuring reports on the AJPW show at Budokan on 6/8 featuring the epic Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo Tsuruta main event. plus the Universal Lucha Libre show on 6/7 at Korakuen Hall, which featured some of top luchadores of the era showing off their style to the "smart" Korakuen fans.Other news and views from Dave and his awesome trip.Ole Anderson wielding his power in the NWA and wanting to mold it in his image of what wrestling should be, which basically means no "entertainment."What's the real story with Rob Russen's IWA and SportsChannel America?Jerry Lawler declaring war on drugs in the Memphis newspapers.The Snowman hating special referees in his matches with Jerry Lawler.Jeff Jarrett and Brickhouse Brown screwing over Skandor Akbar in Dallas.Harley Race getting arrested for drunk boating after his infamous crash.The AWA being on its deathbed w

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles (Loss from Pro Wrestling Only) as we venture into a new podcast series about the NWA/WCW, Center Stage Chronicles.We start off covering the months of January and February 1989, a moment of major change as the NWA evolves from the ashes of Jim Crockett Promotions with new leadership, and new wrestlers coming in by the week. Not to mention the first Clash of the Champions special and pay-per-view event (Chi-Town Rumble) under the leadership of booker George Scott.This is just the beginning of what will be a fantastic series as we will cover this in our own special way!!!And no…we haven't HERD enough!To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new m

Kris and David are joined by Robert O'Connor (@ghostofquinones) to discuss the week-plus that was May 29-June 5, 1988. Topics of discussion include:Dave Meltzer attending the marathon WWF Superstars of Wrestling TV taping in Oakland and gives a full itemized rundown of all 29 matches.WWF expanding their house show schedule to running up to FOUR crews a night.Big tag title matches in AJPW and NJPW.Chigusa Nagayo's upcoming "retirement" in AJW.What really happened in the Brian Pillman/Brick Bronsky locker room fight in Calgary.The greatness of Ron Fuller's USA Wrestling TV show.The ongoing Nightmares breakup angle in Continental.Lord Humongous turns babyface.Eddie Gilbert, Paul E. Dangerously, and Austin Idol shoot a big angle.Curt Hennig causes a ruckus at the WMC Studios in Memphis.Riki Choshu works the AWA TV Taping in Las Vegas and we spotlight his adoring fans.Jimmy Garvin cuts a fantastic promo on WCW revealing that Precious is his wife.The Fantastics demonstrate how to use a straitjac

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was May 22-28, 2005. Topics of discussion include:The remake of "The Longest Yard" opening up at the theatres and how the wrestlers that were involved in the film were perceived and the future of wrestlers in films including The Rock and the filming of "Gridiron Gang."TNA's TV deal with Fox Sports Net expiring as we talk about the last episode of Impact on there, plus an update on their negotiations with WGN.Skype crapping out and not recording Kris’s side of the latter part of the TNA segment through the end of the international segments. (So they’re not here.)Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and Samoa Joe all feeling a sort of burnout on the indie scene and wanting to move on to major promotions.What really happened between Rick Steiner and Vordell Walker in Ocala, Florida.A crazy story involving Kevin Lawler being arrested for burglary in Memphis and how the story was handled by the local media.Complete insanity in WWE with all sorts of

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was May 15-21, 1989. Topics of discussion include:The shockwaves sent throughout the WWF when Dusty Rhodes signed with the company and how that could affect the morale of the locker room.Roddy Piper's power play to return to the WWF and how he used Jim Herd for leverage.The coronation of King Duggan.The Rockers and the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers fight over entrance music.Why is All Japan so popular in Tokyo?New Japan vs. USA vs. Russia doing major business.Masakatsu Funaki rebelling in the UWF by using “fake moves.”Ricky Rice and Teijho Khan's adventures in Calgary.Rip Rogers taking over the book in the WWC.Captain Lou Albano's new TV gig.A wild week in Jerry Blackwell's Southern Championship Wrestling.Action Jackson and Baby Sis in Memphis.Frank Dusek firingHarold T. Harris in a great TV angle in Dallas.Tom Zenk quitting (queeting?) the AWA.Big TV syndication issues for WCW.Terry Funk and a young Eddie Guerrero have a memorable TV match.

Kris and David are joined by J.D. Oliva (@JD_Oliva) as we discuss the week that was May 8-14, 1997. Topics of discussion include:USA Network moving Monday Night Raw/Raw is War to a 9 PM - 11 PM time slot for the fall season and what that could mean to both the WWF and WCW.Kevin Sullivan starts his hiatus as WCW's booker and all of the ramifications that decision could have for the promotion.Kevin Greene and Reggie White are prominently featured on Nitro to hype their matches at Slamboree.Atsushi Onita returns to Japan after meeting with Vince McMahon and tells the media of his "plans."Rick Rude reboots his ECW run without the mask and has an…eventful night at the ECW Arena.Brian Christopher gets fired from the USWA for a few days.The WWF presents In Your House: A Cold Day in Hell, featuring Ken Shamrock's first match in the company as he works Vader in a brutal shoot style affair.Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels have a memorable moment on Raw…kind of, as they go long and it climaxes off the air.Lo

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the (almost-)week that was May 2-7, 1996. Topics of discussions include:Why exactly Diesel and Razor Ramon do any TV jobs on their way out of the WWF.Barry Buchanan and Dwayne Johnson sign WWF developmental contracts.A wild promo tabloid TV style-interview on Raw with an unnamed women in silhouette accusing Shawn Michaels' of breaking up her marriage.FMW running their annual Kawasaki Stadium show on 5/5, the first time that they did so without Atsushi Onita on the card, and how much credit Megumi Kudo should get for the show being a success..The UFC winning a major court battle in Detroit.Tons of wacky U.S. indie results, including a mystery show in NYC.Dave Meltzer's thoughts on the first televised Rob Van Dam vs. Sabu match on ECW TV and how it compares to how he reviews matches now.Jeff Jarrett becoming the top heel in the USWA.Sting and Lex Luger having issues on Nitro.Eric Bischoff telling his side of the story of Marc Mero/Johnny B. Badd's departure

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor (@NINaylor) to discuss our memories of the career of "Macho Man" Randy Savage.We go over our earliest memories of Savage and then talk about his greatness in ICW, Memphis, WWF, and WCW. We also talk about our favorite matches and angles plus our favorite incarnations of Macho Man character, as well.This was a damn fun show and we hope to do more like this in the future!!To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Patron-only chat room on Slack, and anything else we do outside of the main shows!If you’re looking for the best deal on a VPN service—short for Virtual Private Network, it helps you get around regional restrictions as well as browse the

Kris and David are joined by Matt Griffin (@MattTheMouth) as we discuss the week that was April 24-30, 2002. Topics of discussion include:Jerry Jarrett’s then-unnamed startup national wrestling promotion is set to run weekly PPVs, and we talk about that business model as well as if it could've ever been sustainable.Jerry Jarrett's thoughts on Vince Russo and if he wanted him involved or not.The announcement of wacky show booked by Road Warrior Animal featuring Japanese imports and all sorts of older names at a baseball stadium in Atlantic City.Mark and Jay Briscoe quitting CZW.Eddie Guerrero appears as the WWF Intercontinental Champion on IWC and ROH shows during the same weekend, even defending the title against CM Punk’s IWC Title on the former show.We use a DVDVR Road Report being as source material for the first time, as our week has an NWA Virginia show headlined by Matt as "Mr. Delicious" Jacey North that Dean Rasmussen and Phil Rippa attended.A total debacle of an XWF tour of Texas that

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week-plus that was April 17-25, 1987. Topics of discussion include:The UWF to JCP transition beginning with the first set of JCP-controlled UWF TV tapings and how it the landscape looked about a week after the deal was finalized.Big Bubba Rogers winning the UWF Heavyweight Title from One Man Gang in the first major change.Dave Meltzer attending a JCP house show in San Francisco and giveing his thoughts on the promotion’s future, which were pretty ominous.Akira Maeda doing his first pinfall job in New Japan since he returned in January 1986.Exactly what the NWF’s business model was.PAUL E. DANGERLY has a new team in Memphis.Mike Von Erich's funeral plus Kevin Von Erich addressing the fans at the Sportatorium.Curt Hennig finally turning heel in the AWA.Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant’s house show rematches after WrestleMania III that never end up happening.Jim Neidhart being found not guilty in his criminal trial for assaulting a flight attendant.The Ken Patera

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was April 6-12, 1988. Topics of discussion include:The WWF staying on USA Network even though they were undergoing a leadership change.X-Pac's contract and how it differs from other WWF contracts at the time.Cactus Jack cutting an impassioned promo on Raw that the fans in the building didn't give a shit about.Stone Cold goes corporate....or does he?Mitsuharu Misawa, like Shawn Michaels, is breaking down physically.Paul Heyman suspends Sabu and The Sandman for some of their out of the ring chicanery.Adrian Street's career is in jeopardy after a serious injury.Who exactly owns Music City Wrestling?he reasons why Sid Vicious won't be working for Memphis Power Pro Wrestling.The saga of Ric Flair and the 4/9 episode of Thunder in Tallahassee, Florida, plus how close was he to jumping to the WWF for their 4/26 PPV in Greensboro.WCW wrestlers hanging out backstage at ECW shows and how that got them heat in WCW.Some amazing clips of some wild ep

This week on BTS, Kris and David take a look at the week that was April 3-9, 2000. Topics of discussion include:Ready to Rumble debuts in theaters and does decently at the box office. Plus we have reports from the premiere, which featured a "match" between Vampiro & The Wall.Nitro and Thunder being clip shows as this was the week before the big Bischoff/Russo reboot.New Japan has DOME IMPACT at the Tokyo Dome featuring the last major Shinya Hashimoto vs. Naoya Ogawa Tokyo Dome main event.The awesomeness of Kazunari Murakami.Tatsumi Fujinami announcing his retirement.Jushin Thunder Liger winning the 3rd Super J-Cup tournament.Mike Awesome deciding to leave ECW as all heck breaks loose.Paul Heyman scrambling as he tries to sign talent to "contracts."Shawn Michaels wrestling his "retirement" match in his TWA promotion against Venom (Paul Diamond).Andy Rooney talking about wrestling in his weekly segment on 60 Minutes.Court TV airs its "Wrestling With Death" special.Chyna turns